Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

Introduction: Health research on South Asian (SA) communities globally has been carried out by academics for decades using pathologizing approaches, which have not reflected the historical, social, and political forces that shape health and well-being. The research process has not necessarily meaningfully engaged nor benefited SA communities, consequently, SA communities regard local and global health research with a certain apprehension and mistrust. Significant gaps in the conceptualization and implementation of health research with or by SA communities must be addressed to eliminate health inequities. This current proposal aims to: 1) examine how community engagement has been operationalized in health research about or with SA communities across Canada 2) explore the experiences of diverse SA communities engaged in academic health research; 3) identify ethical research practices to achieve SA health equity from a community perspective and 4) develop equity principles guiding health research collaborations with SA communities. Methods: Our team of diverse SA academics, trainees and community partners will use a convergent mixed-methods study to characterize SA community involvement in the health research process, involving a scoping review, and qualitative interviews with diverse stakeholders engaged in SA health research. A modified Delphi approach will be used as a systematic process of participatory consultation with key SA stakeholders to develop the PRinciples to Operationalize Community Engagement, Equity, and Sustainability in SA Health Research (PROCESS) based on the study findings. Results and analysis: This study in still in the process of being conducted, and preliminary findings are still being generated. Conclusions and implications for policy and practice: This work will ensure balanced power relationships between researchers and SA communities, ensuring ownership of research outcomes and promoting health equity in Canada and worldwide.